N.S. seized three million contraband cigarettes in last year
The flow of contraband cigarettes and cigars appears to be increasing in the Maritimes as both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick reported massive seizures in the last year.
The New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety told CTV News Atlantic last month they have seized more than one million contraband cigarettes since April 1; now Service Nova Scotia reports a similar spike.
“In the past year, we have seized approximately (three) million contraband cigarettes and 80,000 contraband cigars,” said Geoff Tobin, communications advisor with Service Nova Scotia and Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions.
Tobin said they have seen a marked increase in the amount of contraband cigarettes in Nova Scotia in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The three years leading up to the pandemic averaged about (one) million cigarettes per year,” he said.
“Those numbers have increased since the pandemic, with 1.7 million in 2021-22, and 2.3 million in 2022-23.”
Tobin said the taxes owed on the three million seized contraband cigarettes would be $885,600; the value of the contraband cigarettes seized in New Brunswick so far this year would be roughly $259,300 in provincial tax and $160,900 in federal excise tax.
“Contraband tobacco is popular for trafficking due to its high-profit margin,” Tobin said. “The illegal sale of contraband tobacco undermines public health efforts and poses health risks to consumers - particularly youth.
“It also contributes to organized crime by funding criminal activity, and it contributes to substantial losses in tax revenue for the province.”
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadians feel grocery inflation getting worse, two in five boycotting Loblaw: poll
Almost two-thirds of Canadians feel that inflation at the grocery store is getting worse, a new poll suggests, even as food inflation has been steadily cooling.
Norway, Ireland and Spain say they are recognizing a Palestinian state in a historic move
Norway, Ireland and Spain said on Wednesday they are recognizing a Palestinian state, in a historic but largely symbolic move that deepens Israel’s isolation more than seven months into its grinding war against Hamas in Gaza.
NEW How to remove ticks and what to know about these bloodsuckers
Ticks are parasitic bloodsuckers, capable of spreading deadly disease, and they’re becoming increasingly common. Here’s what you need to know about them.
opinion Joe Biden uses bully pulpit to bully Donald Trump on debates
Donald Trump had spent weeks needling U.S. President Joe Biden for his refusal to commit to a debate. But Washington political columnist Eric Ham describes how in one fell swoop, Biden ingeniously stole the issue from the Trump campaign and made it his own.
Barbie will make dolls to honour Venus Williams, Christine Sinclair and other athletes
Barbie dolls will honour Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair and tennis champion Venus Williams, plus seven other athletes as part of a project announced by Mattel on Wednesday.
Ontario mother loses $2,500 to text scammer pretending to be daughter
An Ontario mother lost $2,500 to a scammer pretending to be her daughter asking for help in late April.
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.